Before Tom Lewis and Bob Hillerby left this world, they set a “Higher Mark” in their love of God and their country. Tom was in the Air Force during the Korean War.
Mr. Lewis owned and operated a manufacturing company in Texas. Mr. Lewis worked part time, advising others in similar manufacturing and Tom Joe Lewis brought
a genuine kindness to youth who suffered with loneliness & abandonment. Tom loved the children like a grandpa. Tom had a personal life experience that connected to
"at risk" youth. Tom's personality was a blessing. Mr. Lewis served as a board member & volunteer for 12+ years! Tom was dedicated to 08:30 Sunday Worship, Wednesday bible study,
cadet graduations & aftercare mentoring. Tom taught a variety of youth. Grayson's JDC Boot Camp for youth 12-17 who are convicted felons & JDC 10-17 awaiting trial or
transfer. Mr. Lewis was a tenacious team member and fearless leader. Over the last few years Mr. Lewis was afflicted with many health problems. Tom’s generosity of spirit sent the youth the message,
"never give up !" Anyone who knew Tom would agree with Tom’s wife, Anita, that “everyone loves Tom.” Tom and Anita have bunches of beautiful children, grand and great grandchildren.
Tom Joe Lewis was 80 years young.

Mr. Bob Hillerby’s departure home was more sudden and tragic. Bob was 69 years young. Bob was a Vietnam Veteran and Army Photographer. Bob's co-authored Vietnam
Picture Book is close to being ready for publishing. Bob was a board member for Vietnam Veterans of America local chapter 973 and the Grayson County K-9 Service Dog program.
Bob was a leader in “Peer to Peer” Veterans Mentoring. His devotion to veterans with PTSD cannot be overstated. Much of Bob’s life was caring for others. Other veterans are
needed to encourage other veterans. www.vva973.org. Bob and Alice have a beautiful family and countless friends. Hillerby Printing in
Sherman continues at the direction of son, David.

Tom and Bob never served together, but they served one God because of the will of love! They showed us that we are one family and that we can do more than we know.

Tom and Bob were Front Line Ministers who loved God, The Forever Father.

"Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and The Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 6:23

Amen

"Crime is Christianity's Ancient Enemy." - Texas Senate

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30, 31

Timothy Project

It’s always exciting when we can share a success story of one of our boot camp cadets, and we have a good one for you this time. Adan Longoria graduated in 2009.
He returned home and completed his high school diploma and wound up living in Durant, Oklahoma. He contacted the Air Chapel about one of our Scars To Stars
scholarships and enrolled at Grayson College in the welding program. For some 8 months, he rode the TAPS bus from Durant and back to attend class.
He was working a full shift at McDonalds and finally was finally able to buy a car. Adan has made excellent grades and on December 14th, Adan will walk across the
stage to receive his 2-yr. welding certification. Well done, Adan!

From the President’s DeskTommy Hudspeth

When you work, as we do, with “at risk” young men and become so attached to them while they are here at the boot camp, you would like for them to return home and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, that ending is very rare. As we try to follow up with birthday cards, Christmas cards, and telephone calls, we often get the cards back saying “Moved – No forwarding address” or when we call, “No longer in service”. At this point, we have to rely on Paul’s word in I Cor. 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered, but God made it grow.” We trust the seed is planted, and God, in His wisdom will bring about the growth.

In these cases, God encourages our hearts through Isaiah 55:10-11 which states, “As the rain and the sun comes down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” May God continue to grow the seed that has been planted in the hearts of these young men.

“Faith is the bird that sings while it is yet dark.” Max Lucado

Tom Lewis and Bob Hillerby

Tom Lewis

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."

As individuals and organizations learn about the Air Chapel and its ministry, they often ask how they can help. The Air Chapel is an all-volunteer,
non-profit 501C (3) Corporation, operating on a very minimal budget, so there are always financial needs. At the present time each cadet, upon arrival, receives a
bible and several other books. At Christmas, the Air Chapel gives a pizza party for the cadets and each one is given toboggans and gloves plus other items
for the camp such as movies, games, and athletic equipment. Upon graduation, the cadets receive a cross and chain, a music CD, a
Camo Bandanna with scripture
screen printed, and their choice of a football, basketball, or soccer ball.

A scholarship program called “Scars to Stars” was initiated a few years back and provides college or trade school help for the cadets if they return home and
finish high school with a diploma or GED. Funds are always appreciated there.